The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health has confirmed the fifth case of rabies in Orange County this year.

The latest incident involved a bat, according to Orange County Animal Services, and originated when a bat was spotted inside the fireplace of a Mebane residence.

Officials say residents immediately left the house and call Animal Control. There were two dogs and a cat in the home at the time but all were up to date on vaccinations, according to a release. That vaccination history allows for the pets to receive a booster shot. Pets who are not up to date must either be destroyed or quarantined for a period of up to four months, according to state law.

Orange County had 10 positive cases of rabies recorded in 2015, which was down dramatically from 23 the year before.

Orange County Animal Services is hosting another low-cost rabies vaccination clinic from five o’clock until seven o’clock Thursday evening at the Eno River Farmers Market in Hillsborough.

For a full calendar of low-cost rabies clinics click here.

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